Chapter 16

Dear readers, I've been a bit distracted recently, sorry for the late update. Hopefully I can make it better next time.

Matthew was still amazed with the favorable outcome when he retired to his chamber shortly after dinner. An hour ago, he wouldn't have expected that his luck would change over the course of one night. Suddenly he had somewhere to settle down, and a chance to turn over a new leaf. But the best part of it was not having to separate with Arabella. The prospect of seeing her everyday, staying close to her, filled him with utter delight.

After putting his new shoes neatly in the corner near the door, he blew out the candle in the nightstand and threw his weary limbs upon the bed. He flipped over and buried his face in the pillows, breathing deeply in the fresh scent of soap. For someone who used to sleep on the hard, sometimes wet concrete in a shady nook, such simple joys like being able to sleep on a mattress and rest his head on a pillow felt heavenly. Lying on his st